Our Curriculum

At CMCH, our curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that fosters a love for learning and a deep connection to Jewish heritage. Our curriculum development process is meticulous, ensuring a unique, intentional, and skill-based approach. We focus on developing competence in both Judaic and General Studies, ensuring that each student has a strong foundation for academic and personal growth.

 

A Well Rounded Education

 
 

⁕ Judaic Studies

Our Judaic Studies curriculum is designed to foster a sense of competence and love for learning. Students receive a strong foundation in Torah study, Tefillah, and their relationship with Hashem.

⁕ General Studies

The General Studies curriculum consists of four core content areas, enhancing student learning through practical applications, interactive activities, and experiential learning.

⁕ Enrichment Programs

Our enrichment programs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and enhance their overall educational experience through diverse elective courses.

 
 

In Depth Overview

Our Judaics Curriculum

At CMCH, our Judaic curriculum is designed to foster a sense of competence and love for learning, giving each student a strong and positive foundation in Torah study, Tefillah and their relationship with Hashem. Our Judaics program includes the following subjects:

 

Kriah: Hebrew Reading

At CMCH, our Kriah program is designed to develop proficiency in Hebrew reading, laying a strong foundation for students' engagement with sacred texts. Through a structured approach, students acquire the skills needed to read fluently and accurately, enhancing their overall comprehension and connection to Jewish learning.

  • Grade 1: Letters, vowels, open words, shuruk at the beginning of the word, a vov with a dagesh and a nekudah, shin and sin with a shared dot, blended endings, silent letters, words ending with kometz yud vav, words ending with yud

    Grade 2: Review of letters & vowels, open words, shuruk at the beginning of the word, a vov with a dagesh and a nekudah, shin and sin with a shared dot, blended endings, silent letters, words ending with kometz yud vav, words ending with yud, shva rules, mapik hey & Patach genuva. 

    Grade 3:  Review of letters & vowels, open & closed words, shuruk at the beginning of the word, a vov with a dagesh and a nekudah, vov in the middle of a word with a cholom chosser,  shin and sin with a shared dot, blended endings, silent letters, words ending with kometz yud vav, shva rules, double shva, double letters, dagesh shva, single shva at the end of a word, double shva a the end of a wor, words ending with yud, mapik hey & Patach genuva. 

    Grade 4-5: Review of all rules, fluency & accuracy

    Grade 6 -8: Review of all rules, fluency & accuracy

Kesivah: Hebrew Writing

Our Kesivah curriculum focuses on teaching students the art of Hebrew writing, from forming individual letters to composing complete sentences. This essential skill enables students to express themselves in Hebrew, facilitating deeper involvement in Judaic studies and fostering a lifelong connection to the language.

  • Grade 1: Correct pencil grip, paper positioning, letter formation, grade appropriate size, spacing,  legibility

    Grade 2-3: Pencil grip, positioning, accurate letter and final letter formation, correct transcription, proper directionality, grade-appropriate fluency, and spelling.

    Grade 4-5: Accurate letter and final letter formation, correct transcription, proper directionality, grade-appropriate fluency, and spelling. Can answer questions posed in Hebrew.

    Grade 6-8: Accurate letter and final letter formation, correct transcription, proper directionality, grade-appropriate fluency, and spelling. Can formulate written answers to questions in Hebrew.

Chumash

The Chumash program at CMCH guides students through the foundational texts of the Torah, providing them with the tools to read, translate, and understand the biblical narratives. By the end of eighth grade, students will have a strong grasp of Torah principles, text navigation, and the integration of commentary, preparing them for advanced study.

  • 1. The ability to read and translate most of the פסוקים in the תורה, barring any unusual or cryptic word.

    2. Can comfortably orient themselves in the text of the חומש, in order to conduct research, find desired locations, and easily navigate between different places in the חומש.

    3. Firm understanding of grammatical components that allow them to determine gender, pronoun use, past/present/future, etc., enabling them to decipher פסוקים  for meaning and context.

    4. Understanding of basic principles that guide חומש learning (קְדוּשָׁה,  אֵין מוּקְדָּם וּמְאוּחָר), etc.

    5. Firm grasp of Trop and how it influences understanding.

    6. Understanding of the importance of רש"י in understanding the פשט of the פסוק and able to integrate רש"י’s explanations in the way he/she translates and understands a פסוק.

    7. Able to read and translate רש"י independently, barring any confusing concept or exceedingly difficult words.

    8. Understanding of basic principles of the Rebbes’s approach to רש"י (e.g., multiple explanations in one רש"י, רש"י quoting the source, the choice of words in the דיבור המתחיל, assumption that one retained all previous information, etc.).

    9. Understanding of the unique styles of the key מפרשי התורה 

    10. Develop a fluency in, comfort with, and integration of all of the components of חומש study mastered over eight years of learning that enables them to:

    a. Have the confidence that will contribute to motivation to tackle additional texts of increasing challenge, both in חומש and other areas of תורה.

    b. Integrate study of חומש (and, by extension, other areas of תורה) into their own person, as a cherished, valued and enjoyable activity to be proactively and independently pursued.

 

Mishnah

In our Mishnah curriculum, students explore the oral traditions of Judaism, learning to navigate and comprehend the intricate discussions of the Tannaim. This program builds critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of Jewish law and tradition, forming a crucial part of their religious education.

Gemara

The Gemara curriculum at CMCH immerses students in the rich discussions of the Amoraim, teaching them to analyze, question, and understand complex Talmudic texts. By eighth grade, students will have developed the ability to read and interpret Gemara independently, supported by a solid background in Torah Shebaal Peh.

  • History of Gemara and How it Came to Be

    • Knows the evolution of Jewish history from the giving of the Torah, through the destruction of the second Beis Hamikdash into the times of the Mishnah – Era of the Tannaim

    • Basic understanding of the geography and history of the era of the Amoraim

    • Understands why Rebbi Yehuda Hanasi felt it was imperative to write down the Mishna

    • Fundamental differences between Talmud Bavli and Talmud Yerushalmi, and their historical contexts

    • Systems of leadership during the Talmudic era (Nasi, Reish Galusa, etc.) and their evolution

    • Transition to the era of the Geonim

    • Mastery of the biographies, geography, and history of major Rishonim (Rashi, Tosfos, Maharsha, Rosh, Rif, Rambam)

    • Understanding that Gemara is largely a collection of conversations among Amoraim in the Yeshivos of Bavel


    Basic Principles of Torah Shebaal Peh and How It Functions

    • Recognition that Torah Shebaal Peh explains what is written in Torah Shebichsav and details of the Mitzvos

    • Awareness that Torah Shebaal Peh was given to Moshe Rabeinu by Hashem on Har Sinai and transmitted orally until the times of the Mishna/Gemara

    • Understanding of the unbroken chain of tradition from Moshe Rabeinu to present

    • Memorization of the six Sedarim of Mishnah and their categories

    • Familiarity with the layout of a Gemara page (Mesechta, Perek, Page, Side) and locating Rashi and Tosfos

    • Familiarity with the 13 ways to derive meaning from Torah (י"ג מדות)

    Reading and Translating Gemara Skills 

    • Recognizing previously learned words and their translations

    • Differentiating between Hebrew and Aramaic in unseen Gemara

    • Independent pronunciation of Aramaic words without Nikud

    • Knowledge of Aramaic prefixes, pronouns, and substitutions

    • Independent reading and punctuation of Gemara using mastered vocabulary

    • Reading and understanding Rashis independently

    Gemara Structure and the Flow of a Sugya

    • Understanding of the dialogic structure of Gemara

    • Recognition of Sugya units and their topics

    • Identification of Statements, Questions, Answers, and Proofs in Gemara

    • Classification of different types of questions in Gemara

    • Understanding conclusions and non-conclusive Sugyos

    • Differentiation between types of Gemara answers (Support vs. Reassignment)

    • Handling follow-up questions and answers in Gemara

    Going Deeper: Tackling Rashi and Mefarshim

    • Reading and analyzing selected Rashis per Daf

    • Integration of Rashi into independent Sugya analysis

    • Familiarity with Tosfos methodology and commentaries

Nach

Our Nach program introduces students to the Prophets and Writings, broadening their knowledge of Jewish history, ethics, and theology. This study enhances their appreciation of the broader context of Jewish teachings and the continued relevance of these texts in modern life.

  • 4th Grade: Yehoshua

    5th Grade: Shoftim

    6th Grade: Shmuel Alef & Beis

    7th Grade: Melachim Alef & Beis

    8th Grade: Megilas Esther & Megilas Rus

 

Yedios Klaliyos: Jewish General Knowledge

In the Yedios Klaliyos curriculum, students acquire a comprehensive understanding of essential Jewish knowledge, including historical events, important figures, and key religious concepts. This program ensures that students have a well-rounded grasp of their heritage, enhancing their identity and sense of belonging.

    • The 12 Pesukim

    • The 10 Commandments

    • 13 Principles of Faith

    • The Chain of Torah

    • The 5 Books of the Torah

    • The Parshiot of the Torah

    • The 24 Books of Tanach

    • The 6 Orders of the Mishnah

    • The 6 Days of Creation

    • The 12 Sh'vatim 

    • The Ten Plagues

    • Gematria (1-900)

    • Essential prayers: Asher Yatzar, Amen, Yehei Shmei Raba, Adon Olam, Baruch She’amar, Ashrei, Az Yashir, Yishtabach, Shema, V’Haya and Vayomer, V'Zos Hatorah, Aleinu and V’al Kein, Al Hamichya, Borei Nefashot

    • 3 Categories of Brachos 

    • The meaning and order of Brachos on food

    • Brachos on sights

    • Selected Halachos of Brachos on food

    • Bein Adam L'Makom (between a person and God) and Bein Adam L'Chaveiro (between people)

    • Asei (positive commandments) and Lo Sasei (negative commandments)

    • Eidus, Chukim, and Mishpatim 

    • 3 Most Serious Sins

    • 7 Mitzvos D’Rabanan (Rabbinic commandments)

    • 7 Mitzvos for All Mankind

    • 8 Levels of Giving Tzedaka 

    • Process for Washing Netilas Yadayim 

    • Months of the Year

    • Shalosh Regalim 

    • The 4 Fasts

    • The 4 Special Parshios 

    • Dates of all Yamim Tovim and other events

    • The Shiv'as HaMinim 

    • Shmita, Yovel, and Orla 

    • Terumos and Ma'asros 

    • Agricultural Mitzvos

    • Signs of Kosher Animals and Fish

    • Selected Halachos of Kashrus (dietary laws)

    • Roshei Teivos 

    • The Rebbe’s 10 Mitzvah Campaigns

Parshah: The Weekly Torah Portion

The Parshah curriculum at CMCH engages students with the weekly Torah portion, encouraging them to delve into the lessons and values contained within. This ongoing study connects students to the rhythm of the Jewish year and fosters a continuous relationship with the Torah.

  • As students progress throughout their years at CMCA, the consistent review of the weekly Parsha becomes an integral part of our curriculum. The study of Parsha serves multiple purposes:

    • Solidifying Knowledge: Reinforcing students’ understanding of the stories and laws in the Torah.

    • Reviewing Previous Lessons: Revisiting Parshios that have been studied in depth in younger grades.

    • Learning Deeper Lessons: Extracting and applying profound lessons from each Parsha to daily life.

    In the younger grades, Parsha study involves interactive multimedia tools, age-appropriate question and answer sheets, and prepared divrei Torah, which families are encouraged to review together at their Shabbos table. Additionally, hands-on projects are incorporated to make the learning experience more engaging and tangible.

    As students advance to middle school, the curriculum evolves to include more in-depth insights and teachings from Chassidus, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding and relevance from the Parsha.

Halachah: Jewish Law

Students will discover that the Shulchan Aruch serves as our guide for living as Jews from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep. Our curriculum emphasizes not only learning these laws and customs but also understanding their relevance and the beauty they bring into our daily lives. Younger grades engage in hands-on activities, while middle school students delve deeper using the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch.

  • Throughout the year, as we approach each of the  Jewish holidays, the Halacha curriculum includes the laws and customs pertaining to that  Yom Tov. Between holidays, students delve into three key units: Shabbos, the daily life of a Jew, and Tefillah. These topics are designed to progressively deepen students' knowledge as they advance through the grades.

    Shabbos topics include, laws of: 

    • The 39 Melachos

    • Cooking & Carrying

    • Kiddush & Havdalah

    • Kovod & Oneg

    • Muktzah

    • Seudos Shabbos

    Daily Life of a Jew topics include:

    • Business & Commerce

    • Kashrus

    • Midos V'hanhagah

    • Morning routine

    • Hilchos Seudah

    • Traveling

    • Tevilas Keilim

    • Tzedakah

Our General Studies Curriculum

The General Studies Curriculum consists of core content areas that are designed to enhance student learning for grades 1-8. Our approach emphasizes practical applications, interactive activities, and experiential learning to ensure students are engaged and motivated to explore new concepts, while continuing to build upon foundational ideas.

At CMCH, our classrooms are more than rote memorization - in our classrooms, students become curious, inquisitive, life-long learners.  Our dedicated faculty teaches our students how to love learning.

We have four core subjects that make up our General Studies Curriculum.  These core subjects are taught daily to reinforce their importance and foster a love for continuous learning.

Mathematics

Our objective is to develop a strong foundation in mathematical concepts, while fostering a love for learning.  Students will through interactive and practical applications, promoting problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.

  • In the early primary grades, students learn using a wide range of multi-sensory applications to ensure a knowledge of basic math skills, while building confidence in number sense, computation fluency, use of manipulatives, and problem-solving. Starting with basic addition and subtraction facts and working towards more complex concepts, our students continue to build a strong foundation through direct and indirect instruction. Students in grades 1 and 2 learn specific mathematical practices to ensure that all students are progressing and ready for the next grade levels.

  • Once students progress to the upper elementary levels, their math skills continue to grow and be challenged. Our upper elementary math program provides students with more skills and strategies necessary for future success in the areas of Algebra and Geometry.  Students in grades 3 through 5 learn specific mathematical practices to develop a strong number sense, concrete attachment to the abstract numbers, and problem solving skills.  Teachers utilize a variety of materials to ensure the mathematical success for all students. A strong foundation of basic math facts and skills helps students as they move on to more advanced math in middle school.

  • As a middle school student, applied problem-solving and communicating effectively are incorporated into a curriculum that focuses on numbers and operations, applied geometry, data analysis and probability, and algebra.  Through a differentiated curriculum that is focused on developing the students ability to integrate math skills in to real-world applications, the curriculum is rigorous and built on foundations necessary for higher-level thinking. As students progress through the middle school math curriculum, they are prepared for more demanding concepts and real-world situations to master 21st-century challenges.


  • All students participate in IXL Math which custom delivers supplemental math instruction on an individual level to accelerate their progress and assist with misconceptions.  IXL is a diagnostic program that is also utilized for assessment and provides extension and remediation in all grade levels.

Science

Beginning in 1st grade and continuing through 8th grade, students at CMCH receive a quality science education, rich in content and practice, utilizing direct instruction, labs, and cooperative learning.

  • In the primary grades, science is provided using a hands-on curriculum focused on scientific standards, rich in content and practice, aligned with the state curricula and solid pedagogy skills. The goal for primary science instruction is to instill in our students an authentic love of the branches of science and teach them the knowledge and skills required to solve tough problems, gather evidence, and make sense of the information in the world that surrounds them.  Our instructors strive to prepare our students for an ever-changing world of possibilities.

  • As our students move into the upper elementary grades, they are engaged in observing and understanding how the world works around them through experiential learning.  Students participate and are encouraged to be curious, inquisitive, and inquiring, showing that they are eager to learn about the scientific world.  

  • In middle school, students utilize an inquiry-based approach to learning, in an effective way to build a conceptual understanding of science.  Students learn scientific theories and discoveries while exploring how these align with or differ from Jewish perspectives.  The curriculum may emphasize critical thinking and connections between scientific inquiry and Jewish values, such as stewardship of the environment.

  • All students participate in hands-on labs and experiments to help solidify their understanding of scientific concepts.  Students have an opportunity to inquire, research, and gather information for analysis before testing a hypothesis for greater understanding.  Middle School Students have an opportunity to participate in an annual science fair, where research and communication skills are highlighted as they present their findings to the community.

Social Studies

Our students learn to be active and engaged participants in public life. They learn to cultivate a deep understanding of history, geography, and social systems through immersive projects and interactive learning experiences.

  • In the primary elementary grades, Social Studies is a time for students to learn more about the geography and history of the world around them.  Starting with a focus on community, students have an understanding of how cultures and geography changes around them.  Our teachers incorporate a variety of materials including map skills and the 5 Themes of Geography to engage all students as they learn about the themes of Social Studies education.

  • The upper elementary students continue to focus their social studies skills on the 5 Themes of Geography, while also including important historical events as well as fundamental civics. Students explore the development of economic systems as well as how the U.S. government works in its basic tenets while focusing on the changes that have occurred through history.  Students also engage in research, writing, speech skills, collaborative and independent work. 

  • Social Studies at the middle school level encompasses a wide range of content and skills such as geography, history, civics, economics, and government.  Students use their research skills to grasp a better understanding of global concepts.  As students continue to master map and globe skills, they also learn to incorporate analyzing primary and secondary sources using DBQ’s (Document-Based Questions).  Students participate in public speaking, speech writing, and defending ideas in a debate-like atmosphere.  Students also use a variety of digital tools, including Seterra and the Smithsonian Institute to enhance their learning experience.

English/ Language Arts

The foundations of reading, writing, communication, and comprehension are integral to the development of students in ELA. The objective is to enhance literacy skills while building stamina and extracting information through text comprehension.  As students progress through the school, they learn to extract information, analyze tests, and develop critical thinking skills.

  • The primary grades focus on the foundations of sounds using a variety of multi-sensory strategies.  Our instructors recognize the importance of delivering reading instruction to students on an individualized and systematic method that promotes all areas of reading:  accuracy, fluency, articulation, and comprehension. Students also learn to navigate the writing process focusing on letter sounds, blending, and other phonetic awareness to help the students be successful in their reading and comprehension skills.

  • In grades 3-5, our teachers understand that children learn and develop at different paces in a variety of ways. Our instructors recognize the importance of delivering reading and writing instruction to students in an individualized manner that supports all aspects of reading and writing. As students progress through the upper elementary, focus on vocabulary acquisition, grammar usage, writing instruction, and reading-for-meaning are highlighted and encouraged.

  • The middle school language arts curriculum focused on student growth and critical thinking.  Students learn to write effectively and analyze texts as well as other forms of media.  Students practice and hone their writing skills utilizing both creative and rhetorical modes in their compositions.  Students experience the writing process through incorporation of drafting, composing, revising, editing, and publishing.   The reading program allows students to experience a wide selection of texts, while practicing comprehension skills, summarizing, predicting, making connections and inferences, while analyzing the author’s craft and language selection. Students practice vocabulary and grammar daily to help them understand the correct usage and mechanics of the written language.  The 8th grade class is responsible for writing their graduation speech, which is then revised, edited, and published.  Upon graduation, students give their speech to the audience in attendance as a culmination project for their English/Language Arts studies.

  • All students participate in IXL which custom delivers supplemental reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary instruction on an individual level to accelerate their progress and assist with misconceptions.  IXL is a diagnostic program that is also utilized for assessment and provides extension and remediation in all grade levels.

Electives & Enrichment Programs

Our diverse elective courses provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and enhance their overall educational experience. Each elective is designed to be engaging, enriching, and fun, ensuring that students can pursue their passions while learning valuable life skills. Our electives this year include:

  • Our sports elective offers students the chance to participate in a variety of athletic activities, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Whether it’s basketball, soccer or football, students will develop their athletic abilities and learn the importance of staying active.

  • In the STEAM elective, students delve into the exciting worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Through hands-on projects and interactive experiments, they will fostering a passion for innovation, creativity and problem-solving.

  • Our coding elective introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming. Through engaging projects and practical exercises, students will learn how to code in languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML. This course equips them with essential skills for the digital age and encourages logical thinking and creativity.

  • The etiquette elective teaches students the essential social skills needed to navigate various personal and professional situations with confidence and grace. Topics include table manners, communication skills, and appropriate conduct in different settings. This course aims to build self-assurance and respectful behavior in every aspect of life.

  • In the drama elective, students will immerse themselves in the world of theater. They will learn acting techniques, stagecraft, and script analysis while participating in the production of a school play. This course enhances creativity, public speaking skills, and teamwork, culminating in a captivating performance for the school community.

Our Curriculum Development Process

We follow a meticulous process, ensuring a unique, intentional, and skill-based approach.

 

STEP 1
Objective & Strategic Trajectory

We start by defining the intended accomplishments and competencies we aspire for our students to attain. We also outline the progressive stages students will undertake to realize these goals.

STEP 2
Pedagogical Framework

We determine the instructional methods, learning processes, and educational environments that will best enhance success.

STEP 3
Assessment Measures

We assess students' proficiency in relation to the defined standards.

 

STEP 4
Data Compilation & Analysis

We scrutinize the outcomes to gain heightened insights into individual student attainments, as well as class performance and institutional performance.

STEP 5
Revisitation of Phases 2 & 3

We explore ways to enhance our strategic trajectory or pedagogical framework to yield superior outcomes.

STEP 6
Intervention & Support

Create a plan to support students who are behind grade level or showing advanced progress

Assessments &
Data Compilation

Building on our intentionally developed standards-based curriculum, CMCA administers standardized testing twice a year for both Jewish and General Studies. For general studies, we use IXL Diagnostic. This pinpoints students' grade-level proficiency in key math and English Language Arts and compares student performance to national norms. For Jewish studies, CMCA has created an innovative and unique assessment approach, focusing on evaluating specific skills aligned with each grade level's standards, providing comprehensive insights into student mastery and areas for improvement.

These digital standardized tests enable us to understand the growth, strengths, and weaknesses of each student. Both IXL and the Judaic assessment results are used to create personalized action plans for each student. With these recommended skills, we have a straightforward method to close learning gaps and facilitate meaningful progress.